. she just knew at that point, the cops had really droppedtheballthere.>> reporter: he wrote the article published on the 19th anniversary of alan's death saying brenda was threatening to turn up the pressure on police and to start singing about the specifics of the case if authorities did not make headway soon. the next day, 9:00 a.m. sharp, came a call from the police department, asking brenda to come in to talk. and there she met the man who would become her hero. >> reporter: you smile when you say his name? >> he was a good send. the first person who would listen to me. andit didn't take him very long to tell me that it was murder and that he would prove it. >> reporter: but how? he would start by talking with one of the last people to see alan alive. >> i blame myself for a long time because i let him go. >> reporter: when "down by the river" continues. how authoritiet away.. the actions that now has him facing attempted murder charges. and another disturbing case of animal abuse under investigation.., who police believe is behind the brutal attack... and the charges th